Introduction

Saudi Arabia's culture is defined by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trading center, and its Bedouin traditions. Saudi society has evolved over the years; its values and traditions from customs, and hospitality to its way of dressing, are well adapted to modernization. The cultural features of Saudi Arabia are represented in the following:

  • The depth of its civilization goes back more than a million years, as confirmed by the archaeological evidence and the prevailing heritage in this country.
  • It was the land of many states and kingdoms that prevailed in the evolution of human civilization.
  • Its distinctive geographic location has made it an intersection of international trade routes through the ages.
  • Being the cradle of Islam and Arabism and the land of the two holy mosques.
  • Standing a crossroads of cultures and a bridge of cultural communication.

Arab And Islamic Traditions

  • Saudi traditions are rooted in Islamic teachings and Arab customs, which Saudis learn at a young age from their families and in schools.
  • The highlights of the year are the holy month of Ramadan and the Hajj (pilgrimage) season, and the national holidays that follow. The Holy month of Ramadan, when faithful Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, culminates with the Eid-Al-Fitr holiday, when it is customary to buy gifts and clothes for children and visit friends and relatives.
  • The other highlight is the Hajj season, during which millions of Muslim pilgrims from all over the world arrive in Mecca. The Hajj season ends with the festival of Eid Al-Adha, in which it is traditional for families to sacrifice a sheep in memory of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac.
  • Arab traditions also play an important role in Saudi life. These centuries-old traditions have evolved over the millennia and are highly regarded. They include the generosity and hospitality that every Saudi family offers to strangers, friends, and relatives. The simplest expression of hospitality is coffee: its preparation alone is an intricate cultural tradition, and it is often served in cups alongside dates and sweets. Another gesture of hospitality is the burning of incense to welcome guests.

Music And Dance

  • Music is considered the universal language that crosses cultural borders and nations, thus unifying the human race. It is believed to have the ability to evoke feelings ranging from happy and sensual emotions to sad and angry feelings.
  • The music varies from one region to another: for example, in the Hijaz, the music of al-sihba combines poems and songs from Arab Andalusia, while the folk music of Mecca and Medina reflects the influences of these two cities from all over the world. The Islamic world.
  • Dance and music have always been a strong part of Saudi life. Bedouin poetry, known as nabati, is still very popular. 
  • Traditional music is usually associated with poetry and is sung collectively. Instruments include the rababah, a three-stringed violin-like instrument, and various types of percussion instruments, such as the abl (drum) and tar (tambourine). The popular music of al-sihba has its origin in al-Andalus. In Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, dance, and song incorporate the sound of the mizmar. The drum is also an important instrument according to traditional and tribal customs. 
  • Samri is a traditional folk form of music and dance in which poetry is sung. Of the native dances, the most popular is a martial line dance known as Al Ardha, which includes lines of men, often armed with swords or rifles, dancing to drums and tambourines by jumping up and down mostly in one place. while wielding 
  • swords

Heritage

  • For hundreds of years, the popular perception of Arab culture was dominated by Islam. But recent excavations in present-day Saudi Arabia are revealing evidence of ancient and sophisticated civilizations that are redefining the pre-Islamic era.
  • Historic preservation is extremely important to Saudi Arabia. Numerous restoration projects have been undertaken to safeguard the Kingdom's architectural heritage, including the restoration of historic buildings and neighborhoods.
  • These projects are carried out by the Department of Museums and Antiquities, which excavates, catalogs, and preserves prehistoric and historic sites. In 2003, the department was transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Supreme Tourism Commission (SCT), established in 2000.
  • As the birthplace of Islam, the Kingdom places special emphasis on the preservation of its Islamic archaeological heritage. A large number of mosques throughout the Kingdom have been meticulously restored, including the Holy Mosque in Mecca, the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, and the mosques built by the first caliphs after the death of the Prophet Muhammad.

Food And Drinks

  • Saudi Arabia's food culture has largely developed from the surrounding regions, so visitors to the Kingdom have a pleasing array of local and international dishes to explore. While traditional dining experiences are best enjoyed with locals, popular tourist destinations such as Riyadh and Jeddah ensure that guests of the Kingdom can enjoy authentic Saudi food while also having international restaurants and fast food favorites on every corner.
  • Saudi Arabian cuisine is similar to that of neighboring countries on the Arabian Peninsula and has been heavily influenced by Turkish, Persian, and African food.
  • The animals are slaughtered in accordance with halal Islamic dietary laws, which consider pork impure and alcohol prohibited. As a general rule, Saudis (as well as other Muslims) find dirty pork disgusting, but forbidden alcohol a temptation. Consequently, the dietary laws relating to the former are more strictly observed than those relating to the latter.

Conclusion

  • The people of Saudi Arabia have preserved their conservative and religious culture and society in the era of globalization and westernization. Many attitudes and traditions are centuries old and stem from the Arab civilization. However, its culture was also affected by rapid changes, as the country transformed from an impoverished nomadic society into a rich producer of basic products in a few years in the 1970s. Daily life is dominated by Islamic observance. Traditionally, social life in the Kingdom revolved around the home and family. 
  • Saudis regularly visit their relatives, especially those of an older generation.